LAMBERT, Rosina Margaret
1922 - 2008
Rosina passed away peacefully at Chemainus Health Care Centre on September 26 in the company of family. She began life in Abertysswg, Wales, the eldest of eleven children born to William and Matilda Samuel (Watkins). She was predeceased by her parents, husband Charles, brothers Thomas, Arthur, Gordon and sister, Constance (Pearson). She is survived by her sons Timothy (Gail), Ship Harbour, NS; Lawrence (Lexie), Saltair, BC, and Middleton, Saltair, BC as well as sisters Dorothy (Gourlay), Nanaimo, BC; Matilda (Phillips), Cascob, Wales; and also in Wales, brothers William, Gareth, Edward and Robert.In addition she leaves behind nine grandchildren, one great grandchild and numerous nephews and nieces.
During the war, Rosina worked in a munitions factory in Cardiff and in the course of the daily commute between work and home met Charles, who was in the army and occupied with training the Home Guard in the area. They were married in 1942 and after living in Cleveleys, Lancashire; Presteigne, Wales, and Withington, Herefordshire, she emigrated to British Columbia in 1953 with her husband and three young boys spending time in Westview and Ladner before returning to England in 1956. However, the call of Canada was too strong and the family returned to BC in late 1957. After a brief stay on Minstrel Island near Alert Bay, where Charles ran a one-room school and Rosina started a Sunday school, the family finally settled on a small farm in Saltair on Vancouver Island.
Rosina was a woman of many talents. By default she became well-versed in the arts of farming as her husband was obliged to spend much of his time with his teaching profession. She was a meticulous housekeeper and was proficient in dressmaking, knitting, butter making, gardening and home preserving the yield of many types of fruit trees. Her artistic abilities were obvious to all. Late in life she took up ceramics and became accomplished enough to start giving lessons. However, where she really shone was in the field of music. She could play the piano by ear and had a glorious soprano voice, which during her lifetime was showcased in numerous choirs, including that of the Chemainus United Church where she was choir mistress for many years.
A warm and giving person, she lived for her family and her loss leaves a real void in their lives. She will be sorely missed. A memorial service will be held at 1:00 pm Thursday, October 9 at the Chemainus United Church, 9814 Willow Street.
The family wish to extend sincere gratitude to the compassionate staff of the Chemainus Health Care Centre and in lieu of flowers would appreciate donations in Rosina's name to that facility.
Telford's Mid-Island
Memorial Services
1-866-503-5553